NRL star Andrew Fifita says he will not turn his back on Kieran Loveridge after admitting he regards the one-punch killer as one of his own family.

Cronulla Sharks forward Fifita was this week warned by police about consorting with criminals after visiting Loveridge in Cessnock prison where he is serving a 13-year sentence for killing 18-year-old Thomas Kelly in 2012.

Earlier this week, the rugby league player was slammed for writing the letters 'FKL' on his arm strapping during games this season in an apparent message of support for Loveridge.

But despite the furore - and even though he has apologised to the Kelly family - Fifita says he wants to give his close friend a morale boost while he is locked up.

Cronulla Sharks star Andrew Fifita (with ball) has insisted he will not turn his back on friend Kieran Loveridge who killed 18-year-old Thomas Kelly with a single punch in 2012

Loveridge (pictured) was jailed for 13 years after he launched an unprovoked one-punch attack on 18-year-old Thomas Kelly in Sydney's Kings Cross in 2012

The family of Thomas Kelly (right) watch as his casket is loaded onto a hearse (left) after his funeral at Kings College Chapel in Sydney in July 2012

'My support for Kieran is there because he is sitting without a glimmer of hope and I want to give him some hope,' Fifita told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'There are very few people who are going to support him and my bond with him runs deep. I consider Kieran family.

'I know what he did, I know there is no excuse, but the way I live my life, and have always lived my life, is that you don't turn your back on your brothers. It's how I was brought up.'

Fifita claims he is 'upset' by allegations that he thinks Loveridge should be set free and says he felt the pain of the Kelly family while sitting in the court room during the trial against his friend.

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The Sharks forward admits Loveridge should serve his time because he 'did the wrong thing' and will now follow police advice following his official warning.

Fifita issued an official apology to the family of Thomas Kelly on Friday via the Sharks website.

'I fully understand and accept the seriousness of the crime committed by Loveridge, the devastating impact it has had on the Kelly family and the need for Loveridge to serve his time,' he said.

'I want to extend my sincere apologies to the Kelly family for any distress caused to them by having this tragic matter back in the media.'

Fifita was issued a warning for consorting with criminals this week after allegedly visiting Kieran Loveridge in prison and wearing an 'FKL' armband (pictured) during NRL games in alleged support of the one-punch killer

It is believed Loveridge may have been coached by Fifita at a western suburbs club

With regards to the police warning to Fifita, the Sharks added: 'Both the club and Andrew are totally aligned with the police and the NRL in wishing to protect the game from criminal infiltration and Andrew is fully aware of the need for him to accept the directions given to him.'

On Wednesday, Gangs Squad detectives visited Sharks training and issued the 27-year-old Fifita with a caution after he made numerous contact with his long-time friend Loveridge in Cessnock jail, both in person and by telephone.

Loveridge is believed to have been coached by Fifita when he played junior rugby league at a western suburbs club.

The one-punch killer was jailed for 13 years after he launched an unprovoked attack on 18-year-old Thomas Kelly in Sydney's Kings Cross in 2012.

On at least seven occasions this NRL season, Fifita donned an armband during matches with the letters 'F.K.L'. He denies claims that stood for 'Free Kieran Loveridge'

On Wednesday, detectives visited Sharks training and issued the Fifita with a caution after he made contact with his long-time friend Loveridge (pictured) in Cessnock jail

It's the fourth time this year police have used the controversial consorting law - designed to tackle organised crime, particularly bikie gangs - to warn a NRL player